Liberia Gears  for Global Summit of the Future

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ADNews-Monrovia: Liberia is actively preparing for the forthcoming Global Summit of the Future, scheduled to take place in New York City from September 23-24, 2024. This high-level event will unite world leaders to discuss and establish a new international consensus aimed at creating a better present and safeguarding the future.

As part of its preparation, Liberia has conducted extensive consultations at both the county level and among children and youths. These efforts are designed to gather input and ensure that the country’s position at the summit is evidence-based.

One of the major outcomes anticipated from the summit is the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which will encompass a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. To incorporate the voices of Liberian children and youths  as consultations have been held in Ganta, Nimba County for youths, and in Monrovia, Montserrado, for children. These discussions aimed to tackle immediate challenges, propose long-term strategies and establish a unified advocacy platform for children and youths.

The consultations brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, the private sector, persons with disabilities, and development partners. Key topics included international peace, sustainable development, science and technology, digital cooperation, and governance transformation.

The Ministries of Finance, Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Gender, received financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). They worked alongside UN agencies such as UNFPA, UN Women, and UNICEF, as well as the Resident Coordinator Office, to conduct the national forum. This forum led to the creation of a country position based on resolutions from the children’s forum, the youth event, and additional stakeholder contributions.

A validation exercise, held during a one-day Concept Note session in Monrovia on Tuesday September, 11, reviewed and refined the resolutions and recommendations from these consultations. The goal was to establish a national consensus on priorities for the global summit and ensure a well-informed country position.

Speaking at the validation forum, the UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Ms. Christine Umutoni, highlighted the importance of aligning Liberia’s summit representation with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. She underlined the need for clarity, ambition, solidarity, and commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ms. Umutoni stressed that the national summit should reflect the aspirations of Liberia’s children and youths, who are the future leaders.

Ms. Umutoni also acknowledged Liberia’s challenges, including climate change, global health issues, technological disruptions, and socioeconomic inequalities. She emphasized that the Summit of the Future is a call to action, aiming to develop visionary and practical solutions through collective wisdom.

Liberia’s position at the summit will focus on transforming national, regional, and continental economies and societies inclusively, addressing inequalities, and tackling the climate crisis. The position will also prioritize human capital development and governance improvements. Ms. Umutoni encouraged collaborative efforts to present actionable recommendations for a sustainable, equitable future.

UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Anthony Ohyemeng-Boamah, expressed appreciation for the Liberian government’s organization of the National Forum on the Summit of the Future. He commended the inclusive and consultative process used to develop an evidence-informed national position and highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation to address global challenges.

Mr. Ohyemeng-Boamah expressed confidence that the forum would generate discussions and create a shared vision for Liberia beyond 2030, showcasing the country’s readiness to make significant contributions on the global stage. He reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to including persons with special needs, youths, and children in line with the principle of leaving no one behind.

During the forum, Roberto R. Cooper Jr., Speaker of the Liberia National Children Forum, presented resolutions made by children, advocating for the implementation of human rights, digital technology, and good governance. Cooper called for the full implementation of children’s rights, the elimination of violence against children, and accessible digital technology in schools.

The National Forum on the Summit of the Future, attended by approximately ninety participants from various sectors, including government, children, youth groups, persons with disabilities, civil society, and UN and development partners, represents a crucial opportunity for Liberia. The country anticipates actively contributing to global discussions and shaping its future development path.

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